Imperial and GIMP

[propencity]

Got my Imperial Kit from CUSA a week ago and couldn't decide on the blank to use but finally settled on Thuya Burl.

Rough Gouge to round.
Skew chisel to complete turn.
Dry sand to 600 and MM to 12k.

Could never get the glassy finish that I wanted even after 8 coats of CA/BLO.
Also having fun learning to use GIMP for the MAC to layer multiple images into one (attachment)

Comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks, Mark.

 

[Papa mark]

Both the pen and the photogaphy look good.

 

[darrin1200]

Beautiful pen Mark.

Darrin

 

[dennisg]

The pen looks great. For a more glossy shine try some brasso or plastic polish. That really brings out the shine.

"Could never get the glassy finish that I wanted even after 8 coats of CA/BLO. "

 

[neubee]

Beautiful pen

 

[johncrane]

Mark! that's a beautiful looking pen well done, also the gimp worked out great.

 

[bitshird]

Beautiful pen, I hate to see the Imperial's go by the wayside,

 

[PaulDoug]

Beautiful pen, well done. Does the gold design on the clip represent something?

 

[louisbry]

Beautiful pen. Too bad it is a dying breed.

 

[propencity]

Thanks for the feedback.

Thank you everyone for the feedback and comments.

Dennis - good suggestion on the plastic finish. I will give that a try on the next wood pen I make.

Paul - the gold inlays on the clip, band, and top are are shaped to be "bamboo leaf, to represent longevity, grace and strength". At least as described by CUSA website.

This was my first time trying the Imperial kit and it is too bad that they are closing it out. It really makes for a nice pen with all the 3D engravings and the barrel made to really accentuate the grain of the wood. Assembly was fairly easy, not too many parts to pressed, and I think (haven't tried yet) but the fountain pen nib/nib holder on these kits can be replaced with the rollerball tip (from the rollerball kit); all the other fittings seem to be the same between fp and rollerball.